Three Conservation Areas have been put on the at risk register

Sue Kirby

Three of South Tyneside’s prettiest places have been put on the ‘at risk’ list by a campaign group.

Conservation Areas in Whitburn, Cleadon and East Boldon have been added to the Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, which was published today.

Whitburn Village

These areas have been assessed by South Tyneside Council and are now considered at risk, because historic features in the areas have slowly deteriorated and there is no quick fix solutions.

However, raising awareness of these sites and encouraging individual property owners and developers to invest in their future is the first step in a long process to restore and preseve each of the areas’ character.

In total 18 sites across the North East have been added to the register and 18 have been removed.

Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register is an annual snapshot of the health of England’s historic environment.

Highlight the importance of preserving the character of areas

Coun Allan West

Councillor Allan West, lead member for transport and housing at South Tyneside Council, said: “These areas contribute to South Tyneside’s rich history and heritage and we are working proactively to help preserve them for future generations.

“Our conservation area survey has helped to highlight the importance of preserving the character of areas like Cleadon, East Boldon and Whitburn. For the conservation areas, this isn’t about the areas being ‘at risk’ necessarily but more about us doing what we can to preserve the look and feel of the area so that they retain their character for years to come. Making interventions now to save them in the future. We continue to work with existing property owners to look at how structures can be restored and encourage new developers to invest in each area’s character.

“Elsewhere, interventions at Marsden Lime Kilns mean that it is well on its way to coming off the Heritage at Risk Register. This is an excellent example of how we can all work together for positive change.”

Kate Wilson, Heritage at Risk principal for Historic England in the North East, said: “Action taken by local community and volunteer groups is increasingly important in helping to save many of our most cherished monuments, but there is more to do.

“We need to find new ways to breathe life into our neglected historic places. Investment in our heritage is an investment in the future of the North East.”

The Heritage at Risk Register 2016 reveals that in the North East, 60 Grade I and II buildings, 175 scheduled monuments, 27 places of worship, six registered parks and gardens, one registered battlefield and 31 conservation areas are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change.